The Photograph above is Father & Son, Canaletto's Cobbosseecontee, with his kitten CumbrescoonsPPeach Sundae

An Introduction to the Maine Coon Cat

One of the oldest natural breeds in North America, the Maine Coon is actually considered to be a native of Maine and is designated the "state cat" of Maine.One of the largest breeds of domestic felines, mature males can weigh upwards of 20 pounds with females averaging about 9 to 12 pounds.The Maine Coon is a medium-to-longhaired cat with heavy, water-resistant fur. The fur is longer on the ruff, stomach and britches and shorter on the back and neck.Maine Coons have long bushy tails; big, round, tufted paws, large eyes, and tufted ears and many Coonies have long lynx-like hairs at the tips and a head with a squarish muzzle. The fur between the toes that forms the tufts create a snow-shoe effect for the paws.Maine Coons mature at a slower rate than most other cats, and don't achieve their full size until they are three to five years old. Their dispositions remain kittenish throughout their lives; they are big, gentle, good-natured goofs.

Many enjoy water. The males tend to be the clowns; while the females retain more dignity, but both remain playful even as they age.They generally get along well with kids and dogs, as well as other cats.Even their voices set them apart from other cats; they have a distinctive, chirping trill which they use for everything from courting to persuading their people to play with them. (Maine Coons love to play, and many will joyfully retrieve small items.)While Maine Coons are highly interactive with their human family, they are not overly-dependent. They prefer to "hang out" with their owners, investigating whatever activity you're involved in and "helping" when they can.Maine Coons will follow you from room to room and enjoy being with their human companions.